Quinoa Salad with Cherries, Feta, and Pepitas

Cherry season is in full swing. Go get yourself a big bunch ASAP. You're going to have a new favorite summer salad.

I love quinoa. It's hearty like a pasta or cous cous, but has a higher protein content. The nuttiness from the quinoa is absolutely delicious with the sweet cherries, salty feta, and crunchy pepitas. This is my idea of a perfect healthy meal.

Quinoa Salad with Cherries, Feta, and Pepitas
 printer friendly recipe
makes 1 serving
1 heaping cup baby spinach leaves
1 tablespoon favorite viniagrette, or olive oil and balsamic
1/2 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup fresh cherries, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon pepitas (pistachios, sliced almonds, or pine nuts, or other favorite nuts would work)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Toss spinach with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or favorite salad dressing. Top with quinoa, cherries, feta, and pepitas. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and coarse salt if desired.